National Qualifications Systems Forum

FOREIGN QUALIFICATIONS RECOGNITION AND NATIONAL OCCUPATIONAL CLASSIFICATION IN CANADA

The recent Pan-Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications describes the ideal steps and processes to address current gaps for successful immigrant labour market integration. In Canada, regulatory authorities, in each provincial and territory jurisdiction, have the primary responsibility for implementing this framework.

In order to implement the framework, it is important to understand how the existing National Occupational Classification System and its companion processes impact regulator occupations.  

FOREIGN QUALIFICATION RECOGNITION AND CANADIAN STANDARDS

The Canadian Forum of Labour Market Ministers (FLMM) recently released the Pan Canadian Framework for the Assessment and Recognition of Foreign Qualifications.  The framework poses questions and challenges for professional regulatory authorities.   

In Canada, qualification recognition for regulated occupations is primarily a provincial and territorial responsibility that often is delegated, in legislation, to professional regulatory authorities.    

The Pan-Canadian Framework describes the ideal steps and processes that Canada aspires to build in order to address the current gaps to successful immigrant labour market integration.

It defines foreign qualification recognition (FQR) as the process of verifying that the knowledge, skills, work experience and education obtained in another country is comparable to the standards established for Canadian professionals and tradespersons.

Regulatory authorities, in each jurisdiction, have the primary responsibility for establishing occupational standards that ensure public, consumer and environmental protection.

There is no legislated approach to standards in Canada. What then is the Canadian context for standards?

 There are three noteworthy systems that co-exist.  

1. The National Occupational Analysis (NOA) system for standards  is a proven system of national co-operation
2. The National Occupational Standards (NOS) system for standards is a sector specific system.
3. There is a Canada version of the UK National Vocation Qualification (NVQ) system for standards which aligns with emerging international qualifications frameworks.